(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-14 20:49

China established a national body to promote the flourishing non-profitable organizations (NPOs) on Sunday, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The China Association for the Promotion of Non-profitable Organizations has been formed on the basis of the former China Society for the Study of Non-profitable Organizations.

The set-up of the new association is aimed to guide and promote regularized operation and healthy development of NPOs of various kinds in the country, according to the ministry.

The association plans to set up a special fund to encourage the development of Chinese NPOs. NPOs will be rewarded for their good behavior and image.

As of last September, China had over 360,000 NPOs of various kinds.

Chinese NPOs, a bridge and link between the Communist Party and the government and the people, are officially regarded as an inevitably significant force for promoting China's economic and social progress.